Yet Another HDTV Thread

[KeithTalent]

Ok, so I went and did a little lunchtime browsing, holy crap there is a lot of choice out there. I did not see Westinghouse anywhere, so I am not sure I can even get that brand here unfortunately, that set looked great.

I guess my next question is: What are the things I must have on my set (keep in mind OP)? ie: is 1 HDMI connection enough, that sort of thing.

I had some guy try to trick me into getting an EDTV...jerk:|

 

[Fritzo]

I have 1 HDMI, and it's enough for me, but you might want 2 if you plan on using a cable box with HDMI and a DVD player. I have a cablecard in mine, so I didn't need the second one.

 

[QED]

How many HDMI ports really depends on how much better (or worse) you think using HDMI is over component.

Even though in theory HDMI should always be superior to component cables (sing the signal stays in the digital domain longer), in practice a lot of users have found that component (to their eyes) looks better. It's probably because the hardware for processing component signals is a bit more mature than the hardware for processing HDMI.
There are also quite a few manufacturers who don't conform to the HDMI spec, which can sometimes cause weird glitches when connected these components to your TV.

What other devices do you have that you plan on connecting to your TV? If you have cable/sat box, a dvd player, and an xbox360/PS2/etc, that's 3 HD connections right there.
I think two HDMI ports would be nice, but I would make sure you had at least 4 or 5 total HD inputs total.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: MathMan

How many HDMI ports really depends on how much better (or worse) you think using HDMI is over component.

Even though in theory HDMI should always be superior to component cables (sing the signal stays in the digital domain longer), in practice a lot of users have found that component (to their eyes) looks better. It's probably because the hardware for processing component signals is a bit more mature than the hardware for processing HDMI.
There are also quite a few manufacturers who don't conform to the HDMI spec, which can sometimes cause weird glitches when connected these components to your TV.

What other devices do you have that you plan on connecting to your TV? If you have cable/sat box, a dvd player, and an xbox360/PS2/etc, that's 3 HD connections right there.
I think two HDMI ports would be nice, but I would make sure you had at least 4 or 5 total HD inputs total.

I will have a PVR, a DVD player and I may be in the market for a Xbox360. I am not sure if I need a cable box yet, once I get the TV I will check with my cable company.

That is a good point about the maturity of the technology, I had not thought of that. I am sure one HDMI is enough for now. I was told the 360 only uses compsite anyway so that should not be an issue I think.

 

[KeithTalent]

Hey, I just bought an Xbox 360 (very bad, but fun). If I get the TV I mentioned above, can I play the 360 at HD resolutions withought having a feed from the cable company yet? I will get the feed later, but in the meantime I would like to just play my 360 at HD res.

Thanks, KT.

Edit: to say this probably an extremely stupid question, but I had to ask.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Hey, I just bought an Xbox 360 (very bad, but fun). If I get the TV I mentioned above, can I play the 360 at HD resolutions withought having a feed from the cable company yet? I will get the feed later, but in the meantime I would like to just play my 360 at HD res.

Thanks, KT.

Edit: to say this probably an extremely stupid question, but I had to ask.

Yes, provided you bought the deluxe 360 or whatever its called the component cable will have a switch to go from standard 480i to HD/ED